Staff Mechanical Design Engineer, Big Machines

Socket.dev; Nevada (IA); On-site; USD 148,000 - 235,000; Full time

Job summary

Redwood Materials is seeking a Mechanical Design Engineer to design and deploy high-performance, industrial-scale machinery for large-scale production environments. The role emphasizes robust calculations, CAD modeling, and collaboration with cross-functional teams to ensure reliable activation and testing.

You will size structures, fabricate components, and contribute to the activation of new equipment in corrosive, high-temperature settings, supporting sustainable manufacturing and circular

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in an engineering discipline.
• Experience using CAD software such as SolidWorks, NX, CATIA, or Pro/ENGINEER.
• 2+ years of professional experience designing and analyzing mechanical structures.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design, build, and activation of low-volume custom machinery and infrastructure.
• Collaborate with production engineering to debug equipment and processes to maximize production rates.
• Execute structural sizing, mechanism design, hardware fabrication, and activation testing.
• Create detailed models and engineering prints in SolidWorks.
• Perform engineering hand calculations and analysis to size structures and mechanisms.
• Support machine activation alongside controls engineering teams and perform development testing.

Skills

Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing

Finite Element Analysis

Mechanical design

Statistical data collection

Engineering documentation

Electrical components integration

Education

Bachelor’s degree in engineering

Tools

SolidWorks

NX

CATIA

Pro/ENGINEER

Job description

About Redwood Materials

Redwood is localizing a global battery supply chain that seamlessly integrates recovery, reuse, and recycling — keeping critical minerals in circulation and driving the energy transition. Founded in 2017, we’re delivering low-cost and large-scale energy storage and producing battery materials in the U.S. for the first time, all from batteries we already have.

Mechanical Design Engineer, Big Machines

Do you want to design and build robust, industrial-scale machinery from the ground up? Join the Big Machines team at Redwood Materials, where we develop high-performance equipment—such as 200 ton kilns, meter long knife gates, rotary seals, and complex 30m+ conveyance systems—built to operate reliably at 900°C in some of the most corrosive, debris-laden environments on Earth.

Our team partners closely with engineering leadership to solve large-scale mechanical challenges as we scale cutting-edge technologies that drive the circular battery economy. By increasing the reach of recycled and sustainable materials, we are transforming the global battery supply chain. As a member of the Big Machines team, you’ll collaborate with high caliber engineers to design, fabricate, and deploy critical production assets. We’re looking for creative problem solvers who can tackle complex mechanical systems—people who think both tactically and strategically to deliver durable, long-term solutions. If you’re ready to make a tangible impact on the future of sustainable manufacturing, we want to hear from you.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design, build, and activation of low-volume custom machinery and infrastructure
• Collaborate with production engineering to debug existing equipment and manufacturing processes to maximize production rates
• Execute structural sizing, mechanism design, hardware fabrication, and activation testing to deliver results on projects
• Create detailed models and engineering prints in SolidWorks
• Perform engineering hand calculations and analysis to size structures and mechanisms
• Support machine activation alongside controls engineering teams and perform development testing with production engineering teams

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in an engineering discipline
• Experience using a CAD software design package such as SolidWorks, NX, CATIA, or Pro/ENGINEER
• 2+ years of professional experience designing and analyzing mechanical structures

Preferred Qualifications

• 5+ years of technical product development experience
• Ability to prioritize and execute tasks in a fast-paced, dynamic environment
• Ability to work in a collaborative team environment, including daily interactions with engineers, maintenance, suppliers, and leadership
• Experience working in a production facility with heavy equipment and industrial machinery
• Experience managing large CAD assembly models and engineering drawings
• Experience with finite element analysis (FEA)
• Experience with statistical data collection, analysis, and reporting
• Experience designing and fabricating welded structures
• Experience designing and testing mechanical mechanisms
• Experience with basic electrical engineering components, including servos, actuators, and sensor integration
• Strong understanding and application of Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T)
• Hands-on experience with equipment manufacturing and implementation
• Self-motivated approach with a hands‑on mindset and strong initiative
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Passion for sustainability and clean energy technology

In accordance with California pay transparency laws, the salary range for this position is listed below. Actual compensation may vary based on a variety of factors, including experience, education, and skills.

California Pay Range: $147,500 — $235,000 USD

The position is full-time. Compensation will be commensurate with experience.

We collect personal information (PI) from you in connection with your application for employment with Redwood Materials, including the following categories of PI: identifiers, personal records, professional or employment information, and inferences drawn from your PI. We collect your PI for our purposes, including performing services and operations related to your potential employment. If you have additional privacy-related questions, please contact us at [e-mail].